We love street art, in fact, I (Nic) used to do a lot myself back in my uni days and as an artist I just can’t get enough of it! (check out my art blog here if you fancy www.nichilditch-short.co.uk) I love all types of art of course, but what stands out about street art to me is how much it can tell the tale of the city you are in, how much it allows the locals people to express their ideas and artistry in the most honest and natural way. It also makes somewhere look so much more colourful and energetic! Here is a collection of the street art we came across on our 4 month backpacking trip around Eastern Europe!

Istanbul, Turkey

An effortlessly cool city as it is, but there is so much more to Istanbul that the history that draws many people here. The area around the Galata and down from Taksim square has some of the city’s best examples. But this city is so big and diverse that around any corner in any district there are wonderful examples of creativity to be discovered!

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is a creative hub for artists in Slovenia, with many areas such at the one time army garrison turned bohemian heart beat of the city, Metelkova. Ljubljana was a surprise package for us, the city is so nurturing to creatives and so open to new ideas.

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is a harsh and edge city as it is, a step into the unknown for us but what really stood out as a highlight was the amazing and diverse street art that covered almost every building. The art on display really represented the numerous sides to this fascinating city.

Read more about Belgrade here: A guide to Belgrade: The white city of Serbia

Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius has an amazing old town that takes you right back in time, but what you don’t expect with this wonderfully historic city is the diversity of street art that it offers. From the breakaway state within the capital of Uzupis the creative culture of this Baltic state spreads far and wide!

Tallinn, Estonia

Similar to Vilnius in many way, Tallinn has a medieval heart that seems at odds with being a modern street art mecca. But what makes Tallinn such an amazing place is how the historic spirit is kept alive and yet the city feels fresh and contemporary too!

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Plovdiv is a bohemian paradise, from the Ottoman streets and the Roman ruins to the artistry of The Trap it was a city that captured our imagination like nowhere else. The old artists quarter of the city that has seen a resurgence in the past few years “The Trap” is a centre for creatives and much of this overspills into the youthful vibe of this trendy and energetic city.

Sofia, Bulgaria

It might not be as edgy and cool as Bulgaria’s second city (It’s always the way, I mean, Manchester is so much cooler than London!) but the capital of Sofia was a city we really fell in love with. It even has its own far share of alternative quarters and amazingly creative street art!

Mostar, Bosnia

Unsurprisingly the street art in Mostar is mostly quite political. Reflecting on the events of the 90’s that changed this Ottoman city forever and opened the world’s eyes to the horrific events of the Bosnia war. Many of the examples of street art in Mostar are on the ruins left behind from the war and reflect the new hope here and re-emerging youth.

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Meet The Roaming Renegades

We are Nic and Paul, The Roaming Renegades! A married couple who are quitting the 9-5 for a life of travel & adventure. We are leaving behind the "normal" way of living in which we are conditioned into giving away our best years for a retirement which may never happen. Live for today we say! Our travelling style is to see the world through alternative perspectives, getting off the beaten track, going on wild adventures and participating in some "Dark Tourism!"
Follow our crazy adventures around the world! Read more if you are intrigued!.